Lettuce variety 45-161 RZ

Abstract

The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-161 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-161 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-161 RZ.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 372,843, filed Aug. 10, 2016.[0002]The foregoing applications, and all documents cited therein or during their prosecution (“appln cited documents”) and all documents cited or referenced in the appln cited documents, and all documents cited or referenced herein (“herein cited documents”), and all documents cited or referenced in herein cited documents, together with any manufacturer's instructions, descriptions, product specifications, and product sheets for any products mentioned herein or in any document incorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and may be employed in the practice of the invention. More specifically, all referenced documents are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.FIELD OF TH...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent introduces a new variety of lettuce called 45-161 RZ which has resistance against different diseases and pests. This variety also has a medium head size and reduced surface discoloration. A progeny plant can also be produced from this variety.

Problems solved by technology

Lettuce cultivars are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases such as downy mildew (Bremia lactucae).

Every year this disease leads to millions of dollars of lost lettuce crop throughout the world.

Downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) is highly destructive on lettuce grown at relatively low temperature and high humidity.

When the fungus progresses to this degree, the head cannot be harvested.

Of the various species of aphids that feed on lettuce, the currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) is the most destructive species because it feeds both on the leaves of the lettuce as well as the heart of the lettuce, making it difficult to control with conventional insecticides.

Although direct damage to the lettuce may be limited, its infestation has serious consequences because the presence of aphids makes lettuce unacceptable to consumers.

Such plants rarely grow to full size; head lettuce varieties infected early fail to form heads.

Such a wound-induced response can lead to a rapid deterioration of the processed product.

The brown or pink color that develops over time on the cut leaf surface makes the product highly unattractive to potential customers.

However, using specialized packaging is costly and may result in anaerobic conditions.

Anaerobic conditions may reduce shelf life and may promote the growth of micro-organisms that produce a bad smell, reducing the overall attractiveness and taste of the product.

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